Peter Joseph StrunkSeptember 22, 1913 - February 6, 2011Mr. Peter Joseph Strunk of Quill Plains Centennial Lodge, Watson, (and formerly of Englefeld), passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, February 6, 2011, surrounded by his family. He was 97 years of age, and the last member of his generation. Left to fondly remember and sadly miss him is his bride and "love of his life" for 68 years, Eda (nee Nordick) Strunk of Watson; his ten children: Roger (Dianne) Strunk of Englefeld; Karen (Pat) Pitka of Saskatoon; Myrna (Marvin) Humenny of Saskatoon; Connie (Lynwood) Behiel of Watson; Norman (Darlene) Strunk of Saskatoon; Randy (Brenda) Strunk of Englefeld; Charmaine Koenig of Watson; Tim (Lorna) Strunk of Englefeld; Marianne (Daryl) Schwartz of Saskatoon; and Joanne (Barry) Schulte of Estevan. Peter dearly loved his 38 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Peter Sr. and Katherine (nee Hammers) Strunk (who were born in Marystown, Scott County, Minnesota); by ten sisters: Louise Steiner, Dora Strunk, Lora Strunk, Caroline Strunk, Mary Herriges, Catherine Strunk, Agnes Pulvermacher, Barbara Fetter, Margaret Fetter, and Esther Herriges; and by two brothers: John Strunk and Charles Strunk. Peter was born in Englefeld on September 22, 1913, to Peter and Katherine (nee Hammers) Strunk. Peter took over the family farm in the late 1930s, and in 1942 he married Eda Nordick. Together they raised ten children. Peter farmed until 1968, at which time he and Eda decided to see another part of Canada. They moved to Penticton, BC, for two short years. As the saying goes: "You can take the boy from the farm, but you can't take the farm from the boy", and the prairie called him back. Peter loved the land and all the things it had to offer. Some of his passions included anything mechanical. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix. He was also an inventor; his creative mind was always on some new way of doing things. Peter loved nature, flowers and trees. He planted so many, many trees on the farm, including an apple orchard. He loved a neat and tidy farm and every summer, his children were engaged in putting a fresh coat of paint on one building or another. The Strunk farm celebrated the 100th anniversary of the homestead on July 26, 2003. This was a very proud moment for Peter and Eda. A quote from a song by Randy Travis says it all: "It's not what you take when you leave this world behind. It's what you leave behind you when you go." Peter left behind a love for family; a love for growing things; a love of creativity; and a legacy of commitment. "The Strunk family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of Quill Plains Centennial Lodge for the wonderful care they gave Peter and are continuing to give Eda. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts." The Prayer Service for Peter was held at Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Church, Englefeld, on Friday, February 11th at 7:30 p.m., led by Marie ven der Buhs and Patsy Knafelc. Scripture readers were Corinne Harcourt and Sherri Denluk, and the eulogy was delivered by Karen Pitka. Music ministry was provided by the Englefeld Church Choir. The Funeral Mass was offered at Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Church on Saturday, February 12th at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Darryl Millette. Others taking part were: Cali Murray, cross bearer; Shailyn Athmer and Danielle ven der Buhs, altar servers; Corinne Harcourt and Sherri Denluk, scripture readers; Rina Murray and Tamara Renneberg, intentions; Garret Strunk and Charlene Baduik, gift bearers; Brenda Strunk, eucharistic minister; Marie ven der Buhs and Ray and Alvina Ehlert, memorial table attendants. An honor guard was formed by members of the Knights of Columbus. Pallbearers were grandsons, Kevin Strunk, Nathan Pitka, Devon Humenny, Dorian Behiel, Jeremy Strunk, Christopher Strunk, Jacob Schwartz, Josh Strunk, and James Schulte. Interment followed at Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to the Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Cemetery Fund. SCHULER-LEFEBVRE, Humboldt, SK.
